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Armed Forces Bill

I will be brief, as an important set of new clauses are to be discussed next and I know colleagues wish to have a full debate on them. I have been heartened by some of the Minister's remarks. I did not agree with all he has said, but he nevertheless offered an eloquent defence of his position. I was particularly heartened by his offering me a meeting with his ministerial colleague, the Minister for the Armed Forces, and I will be delighted to accept that offer. In turn, I am sure he will be delighted to know that the Defence Committee has decided to undertake a review of the basing decisions in the autumn. I suspect he and his colleagues will therefore eagerly anticipate appearing before the right hon. Member for North East Hampshire (Mr Arbuthnot), who chairs the Select Committee, along with his Select Committee colleagues, including myself. Based on the assurances I have received and the good debate we have had this evening, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion. Clause, by leave, withdrawn.